By Sanjeev Shetty BBC Sport Online in Memphis

Mike Tyson gave a brief display of his talents in front of the world's media before leaving centre stage and handing the floor to his assorted collection of trainers and cheerleaders.

The former heavyweight champion of the world challenges current incumbent Lennox Lewis on Saturday at the Pyramid Arena here in Memphis.

Looking trim and healthy, the 35-year-old showed his skills on the speed bag and weave ball, but refused to answer any questions and could not have spent more than 15 minutes in front of a 300-strong audience.

According to his camp, Tyson's refusal to speak stems from Lewis' demands for separate press conferences and weigh-ins.

Tyson's new trainer Ronnie Shields confirmed that his man would have talked had Lewis been in attendance.

The other Tyson trainer, Stacey McKinley, answered the majority of questions asked and questioned Lewis chin and courage.

"Lennox Lewis is a coward," he said.

"Mike is in the best shape of his career and this is a fight Mike wanted.

"We believe we will win the fight anytime between rounds one and five," said McKinley.

Other members of the Tyson entourage include former middleweight champion Mike McCallum and Panama Lewis, a cornerman who is banned from practising his trade in American boxing rings.

The other Lewis, Lennox, is set to face the media on Wednesday, with both fighters weighing in on Thursday, although at separate times.

With 3500 tickets remaining unsold, the promoters will be hoping that Lewis can intensify the hype for a contest, which seemingly has failed to grip the imagination of fans on both sides of the Atlantic.